Monte Generoso Trail (SwitzerlandMobile 635)

Since 1890, a rack railway has connected Capolago, on the shores of Lake Ceresio, to the summit of Monte Generoso (1704 m). It crosses the charming mountain landscape of a natural park. The circular route begins at the intermediate Bellavista station. Under the railway line, a narrow path climbs to the junction towards Alpe Nadigh. Following a splendid gently descending path, crossing the meadows of a slope, you first reach Alpe Gènor. The so-called nevère, a sort of stone refrigerator in full nature, are a peculiarity of this region. Farmers used them to store milk for producing butter and cheese. The term derives from the word "snow," which was used as a refrigerant. The nevère, with their characteristic cylindrical shape, are made of natural stone and are buried about two-thirds underground. In spring, the underground part was filled with pressed snow and ice. In summer, milk cans were stored here. Inside, a spiral staircase allowed access down to the snow level. This original cooling system fell out of use in the first half of the 20th century. Near Alpe Gènor, several nevère can be admired. The same applies to Alpe Nadigh, reachable by following a historic stone slab wall. After the alpine pastures, the ascent begins: from the plain you proceed toward the summit of Monte Generoso, the Italian border always very close. At the top, you can admire one of the most evocative panoramas in the country: the view ranges from the lake region to the Alps, from Gran Paradiso to Monte Rosa, from the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau, from the Gotthard massif to Bernina, and as far as the Po Valley in northern Italy. Slightly lower is the imposing "Stone Flower," which, with its octagonal shape, really resembles a flower. This building was designed by the famous Ticino architect Mario Botta, not far from the steep face of Monte Generoso, which drops almost 400 meters vertically. The building houses a restaurant and an exhibition hall illustrating the history of the railway. A few steps further is Alpe Clericetti, overlooking the Muggio Valley. On its terrace you can taste regional products and cheeses produced in this mountain hut. From the station, you can take the rack railway back to Bellavista or descend on foot following a wide path.